Pro Tips for Boston Marathon Spectators

How to Hand Off H2O to a Runner

Lauren Jones, co-captain of the BAA’s 25-mile hydration station, and Chris Chesmore, a longtime race-day volunteer, show us the pro way to help hydrate racers on Marathon Monday. —S. I. Rosenbaum

Step 1

Wearing latex gloves (for hygiene’s sake), pinch the rim of the cup with your index finger on the inside and your thumb and middle finger on the outside, or just between your thumb and index finger.Illustration by Nick Sullivan

Illustration by Nick Sullivan

Step 2

Plant your back leg and hold the cup out with your arm straight and about chest level. Don’t lean into the street.Illustration by Nick Sullivan

Illustration by Nick Sullivan

Step 3

Make eye contact with an oncoming runner. “You want to make a connection,” Jones says. Illustration by Nick Sullivan

Illustration by Nick Sullivan

Step 4

Lead your target by moving your arm parallel to the runner. Illustration by Nick Sullivan

Illustration by Nick Sullivan

Step 5

When you feel the runner’s hand on the cup, let go. Optional: Twist your wrist as you do so to minimize impact. “The wrist flick is an advanced technique,” Jones says.Illustration by Nick Sullivan

Illustration by Nick Sullivan

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